Facebook is rolling out a continuous live streaming feature for its Live Video API

Facebook is in the process of adding several professional grade features in its Live Video API. The ability to set up a webcam like setup is included now, with the restrictions for the duration of a live stream removed. This allows for creating richer video stories using the Facebook Video platform. The new features being rolled out include support for switching between multiple sources. This is good for sport broadcasters, or casts from multi-player games or music concerts. There are some restrictions on the API for now. Simultaneous casting to other sources apart from Facebook is not allowed as of now, but that perhaps leaves room open for using the API to stream asynchronously using the same API. Third party advertisements are not allowed in the streams, but native advertisements presumably are. The API is not meant to be used with smartphone cameras. The API is adding granular control over who can view the streams. This can range from restricting to family members, or to viewers from a particular location, or create an age bar for the stream when relevant. These features are suitable for professional content creators, publishers and distributors. Apart from sport and gaming casts, possible applications include use for real-time weather updates, or by zoos to engage followers in their animals with a continuous lives stream from inside the cages.